Wanderings of Mind

How do you get your point of view across to people? And in such a way that they understand it and appreciate it? If we can do this effectively, we are sure to lead a successful and peaceful life. Though the question seems simple enough, finding an answer to this is a very tough task. (Read my earlier post on Learning the Hard Way as well). As usual, after quite some years of learning and unlearning, I have realized certain things about communication between people, which I am trying to put into practice. Whatever I have written here doesn't mean I am an expert in following them. It just means that I am trying and trying, to put it into practice! First and foremost, I have realized we can never change anyone; we can only change ourselves. Change has to come from within oneself. We can only aid or kick-start that, by pointing out what is what and trying to influence. Beyond that, its up to every individual. So, we should never set out to talk to anyone with the intention of changing ...

If there's a time when you have to avoid talk or even a casual discussion, its when you are either hungry or sleepy. The reason is obvious - when your brain is focusing on helping the body manage until you get some food or sleep, it won't bother to help you tackle a discussion much. So, you normally end up saying something the wrong way and invite trouble. Sounds simple right? Well, simple things are sometimes the most difficult ones to follow. Forget about following, its tougher in the first place to realize it. If I think back, I have been a great patron of trouble, so to say. I have ended up inviting it unnecessarily many times, only to realize it later. Well, I am at least thankful that I realized it! Coming back to talking, this too comes under the list of things that I learned the hard way. They say, the best way to remember your wife's birthday is to forget it once. Similarly, mistakes of this kind are better learnt by doing them once or in my case, few times. It...